We live too much in books and not enough in nature, and we are very much like the simpleton of a Pliny the Younger, who went on studying a Greek author while before his eyes Vesuvius was overwhelming five cities…

Quote by Anatole France

Topics: Books Quotes

We reproach people for talking about themselves; but it is the subject they treat best.

We reproach people for talking about themselves; but it is the subject they treat best.

War will disappear only when men shall take no part whatever in violence and shall...

War will disappear only when men shall take no part whatever in violence and shall...

What frightens us most in a madman is his sane conversation.

What frightens us most in a madman is his sane conversation.

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple; take it and...

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple; take it and...

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in...

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in...

Silence is the wit of fools.

Silence is the wit of fools.

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.

Religion has done love a great service by making it a sin.

Religion has done love a great service by making it a sin.

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to...

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to...

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in...

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in...

Without lies humanity would perish of despair and boredom.

Without lies humanity would perish of despair and boredom.

One thing above all gives charm to men's thoughts, and this is unrest. A mind...

One thing above all gives charm to men's thoughts, and this is unrest. A mind...

The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of...

The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of...

Chance is perhaps the pseudonym of God when he does not wish to sign his...

Chance is perhaps the pseudonym of God when he does not wish to sign his...

Only men who are not interested in women are interested in women's clothes. Men who...

Only men who are not interested in women are interested in women's clothes. Men who...

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan,...

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan,...

Silence is the wit of fools.

Silence is the wit of fools.

Silence is the door of consent.

Silence is the door of consent.

And silence, like a poultice, comes to heal the blows of sound

And silence, like a poultice, comes to heal the blows of sound